U.S. patent application number 12/231312 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-17 for colloidal metal-containing skin sanitizer.
Invention is credited to Brian G. Larson, Daryl J. Tichy.
Application Number | 20090232860 12/231312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40429196 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090232860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larson; Brian G. ; et
al. |
September 17, 2009 |
Colloidal metal-containing skin sanitizer
Abstract
The present disclosure is drawn to disinfectant hand sanitizing
compositions. In one embodiment, a hand sanitizing compositions can
include from 10 to 1500 ppm colloidal silver, from 0.01 wt % to 30
wt % alcohol, at least 70 wt % water, and a thickening agent. The
hand sanitizers can provide continued sanitization for an extended
period of time and can be formulated to be dispensed as
self-supporting foams.
Inventors: |
Larson; Brian G.; (Alpine,
UT) ; Tichy; Daryl J.; (Orem, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THORPE NORTH & WESTERN, LLP.
P.O. Box 1219
SANDY
UT
84091-1219
US
|
Family ID: |
40429196 |
Appl. No.: |
12/231312 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60967040 |
Aug 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/405 ; 424/43;
424/613; 424/616; 424/618; 424/642 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61Q 17/005 20130101;
A61Q 19/10 20130101; A61K 8/34 20130101; A61K 8/19 20130101; A61K
8/345 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/405 ;
424/618; 424/43; 424/642; 424/616; 424/613 |
International
Class: |
A01N 25/16 20060101
A01N025/16; A01N 59/16 20060101 A01N059/16; A01N 25/00 20060101
A01N025/00; A01N 39/00 20060101 A01N039/00; A01P 1/00 20060101
A01P001/00 |
Claims
1. A hand sanitizer, comprising: a) from 10 to 1500 ppm by weight
colloidal transition metal; b) from 0.01 wt % to 30 wt % alcohol;
c) at least about 70 wt % water; and d) a thickening agent.
2. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, including the thickening agent is
a foaming agent, and wherein the hand sanitizer as a whole is
formulated to form a foam when ejected through a screen having from
10 to 100 micron mesh size.
3. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the alcohol comprises
from 0.05 wt % to about 10 wt % of the hand sanitizer.
4. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the alcohol is selected
from the group consisting of ethanol, sorbitol, glycerol, and
combinations thereof.
5. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the hand sanitizer
includes from 0.1 wt % to 7 wt % of a peroxygen.
6. The hand sanitizer of claim 5, wherein the peroxygen is hydrogen
peroxide.
7. The hand sanitizer of claim 5, wherein the wherein the peroxygen
is a peracid.
8. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the colloidal transition
metal includes colloidal silver.
9. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the colloidal transition
metal has an average particle size of from 0.001 .mu.m to 1.0
.mu.m.
10. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the hand sanitizer
includes a grain extract.
11. The hand sanitizer of claim 9, wherein the grain extract is
selected from the group consisting of wheat extract, oat extract,
flax seed extract, and combinations thereof.
12. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the sanitizer includes a
liquid surfactant.
13. The hand sanitizer of claim 12, wherein the liquid surfactant
includes a liquid vegetable oil soap.
14. The hand sanitizer of claim 12, wherein the liquid surfactant
comprises from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of the hand sanitizer.
15. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the sanitizer includes
an emollient.
16. The hand sanitizer of claim 16, wherein the emollient is
sorbitol.
17. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the thickening agent is
a gelling agent.
18. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein colloidal transition
metal is a coagulated colloid including at least two transition
metals.
19. The hand sanitizer of claim 18, wherein at least one colloid of
the coagulated colloid is silver.
20. The hand sanitizer of claim 18, wherein at least one colloid of
the coagulated colloid is zinc.
21. The hand sanitizer of claim 18, wherein the coagulated colloid
includes a silver-zinc coagulated colloid.
22. The hand sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the hand sanitizer
provides for continued sanitization effects for at least 2 hours
after initial application.
23. A foaming hand sanitizer, comprising: a) from 70 wt % to 99 wt
% water; b) from 0.01 wt % to 30 wt % alcohol; c) from 0.1 wt % to
10 wt % surfactant; and d) from 10 to 1500 ppm colloidal transition
metal, wherein upon dispensing though a screen fine mesh screen,
the sanitizer forms a thick self-supporting foam.
24. The foaming hand sanitizer of claim 23, wherein i) from 0.01 wt
% to 7 wt % of a peroxygen is present; or ii) from 0.01 wt % to 5
wt % of a grain extract is present; iii) the surfactant is a liquid
vegetable surfactant; or iv) the colloidal transition metal
includes a coagulated colloid of zinc and silver.
25. The foaming hand sanitizer of claim 24, wherein at least two of
i), ii) iii) and iv) are present in the foaming hand sanitizer.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/967,040, filed Aug. 30, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The spread of infectious diseases by contact with the skin,
such as the hand, of an individual is a serious issue. Lack of hand
sanitation is the core of the problem, and the appropriate
sanitizing of the hands is the least expensive remedy to this
vexing issue. Yet, it has been reported that hand washing
compliance in some industries, (such as food handling, healthcare,
etc.) does not exceed 40%. There are likely a variety of reasons
for the low compliance including inconvenience, skin irritation,
and/or skin cracking. Although conventional hand sanitizing
formulations provide convenient hand sanitation, they too also
frequently contribute to the problems of skin irritation and/or
cracking. As such, research continues in the pursuit of developing
effective hand sanitizing formulations that are easy and convenient
to use and that do not cause skin irritation and/or cracking.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S)
[0003] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments, and
specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will
nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the
invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further
modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and
additional applications of the principles of the inventions as
illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the
relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be
considered within the scope of the invention. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments only. The terms are not
intended to be limiting unless specified as such.
[0004] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0005] The term "self-supporting foam" refers to a foam which can
generally retain its shape for a relatively long period of time of
at least about 1 minute after being dispensed, e.g., 2 to 10
minutes.
[0006] As used herein, the term "fine mesh screen" refers to a
screen having mesh sizes of from about 25 microns to about 100
microns. In one embodiment, the screen can have a mesh size of from
about 50 microns to about 80 microns.
[0007] As used herein the term "alcohol" refers to any compositions
containing at least one hydroxyl group (--OH). Non-limiting
examples include ethanol, polyol sweeteners, glycerol, combinations
thereof, and the like.
[0008] The term "skin sanitizer" or "hand sanitizer" refers to
compositions of the present invention that are appropriate for
application to the skin, such as the hand, for purposes of
cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or sterilizing a body surface.
This definition does not limit the use of this composition to the
hand, but rather, these hand sanitizers can be applied to any
exterior body or skin surface. The term "hand sanitizer" merely
indicates that these compositions are also appropriate for
application to the hands under normal repetitive hand washing
circumstances. This term does not limit the use of this material to
the hands, as it can be applied to any skin surface with effective
results.
[0009] When referring to terms like "sanitizing,"
"decontaminating," "sterilizing," or the like, it is not inferred
that complete sanitization, decontamination, sterilization, etc.
has necessarily occurred. In other words, partial to complete
decontamination or sanitization is included. Likewise, the use of
the term "disinfect," "disinfecting," "disinfection" does not
required for complete disinfection to occur. Generally, though
sanitizers, sterilants and disinfectants are used for the same
purpose, i.e. to kill bacteria and/or viruses, etc., a sterilant
composition exhibits a greater kill level compared to a
disinfectant, which in turn has a better kill level than a
sanitizer. This being stated, most applications require only
sanitizer or disinfectant levels bacteria/virus reduction, though
other applications benefit considerably from the use of sterilants.
For convenience, in the present application the term "sanitizer" is
used generally to refer to each of sanitizer, disinfectant, and
sterilant compositions described herein unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0010] The term "solution" is also used throughout the
specification to describe the liquid compositions of the present
disclosure. However, as these "solutions" can include colloidal
transition metal(s), these compositions can also be described as
dispersions or suspensions. As the continuous phase is typically a
solution, and the transition metal is present as a colloid, for
convenience, these compositions will typically be referred to as
"solutions" herein.
[0011] Concentrations, dimensions, amounts, and other numerical
data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be
understood that such range format is used merely for convenience
and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only
the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range,
but also to include all the individual numerical values or
sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value
and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a weight ratio
range of about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % should be interpreted to
include not only the explicitly recited limits of 1 wt % and about
20 wt %, but also to include individual weights such as 2 wt %, 11
wt %, 14 wt %, and sub-ranges such as 10 wt % to 20 wt %, 5 wt % to
15 wt %, etc.
[0012] In accordance with this, a hand sanitizer can comprise from
10 to 1500 ppm of a colloidal transition metal, e.g., colloidal
silver, colloidal zinc, colloidal copper, coagulated colloids of
multiple colloidal transition metals, etc., from 0.01 wt % to 30 wt
% alcohol, at least 70 wt % water, and a thickening agent, e.g.,
foaming agent, gelling agent, etc. In certain embodiments, the
alcohol content is less that 10 wt % and the water content is
greater than 90 wt %.
[0013] In another embodiment, a hand sanitizer capable can comprise
comprises from 10 to 1500 ppm of a colloidal transition metal,
e.g., colloidal silver, colloidal zinc, colloidal copper,
coagulated colloids of multiple colloidal transition metals, etc.,
from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % hydrogen peroxide, from 0.01 wt % to 30
wt % alcohol, at least 70 wt % water; and from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt %
of a surfactant. In certain embodiments, the alcohol content is
less that 10 wt % and the water is greater than 90 wt %. The hand
sanitizer can be capable of providing continued sanitation for a
period of at least two hours after initial application.
[0014] In one specific embodiment, a foaming hand sanitizer can
comprise from 70 wt % to 98 wt % water, from 0.01 wt % to 30 wt %
alcohol, from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % liquid vegetable surfactant, from
0.01 wt % to 5 wt % of a grain extract, from 10 to 500 ppm
colloidal silver (or coagulated colloids with other transition
metals thereof), and optionally, from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % hydrogen
peroxide.
[0015] In each of these embodiments, when the hand sanitizer is
dispensed a fine mesh screen, the sanitizer can form a thick
self-supporting foam.
[0016] It is noted that water comprises at least 70 wt % of the
total formulation in many of these embodiments, and often, the
water content is greater than 90 wt %. In one embodiment, water
comprises at least about 92 wt % to about 98 wt % of the
formulation. Similarly, when present in the hand sanitizer, the
amount of hydrogen peroxide can also be varied. In one embodiment,
the hydrogen peroxide can comprise from 0.01 wt % to 7 wt %. In yet
another embodiment, the hydrogen peroxide can comprise from 0.1 wt
% to 4 wt % of the formulation. In each of the embodiments of the
present disclosure, the amount of colloidal transition metal used
in the hand sanitizer can be varied. In one embodiment, it can be
from 10 ppm to 1500 ppm. In another embodiment, it can be from
about 30 ppm to about 500 ppm. In yet another embodiment, the
amount of colloidal transition metal can be from about 50 ppm to
about 300 ppm.
[0017] Any of a number of colloidal transition metals can be used,
including colloidal ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, palladium,
platinum, copper, gold, silver, zinc, alloys thereof, and mixtures
thereof. In one embodiment, colloidal silver can be used. In
another embodiment, colloidal zinc can be used. In another
embodiment, colloidal copper can be used. Also, coagulated colloids
of multiple colloidal transition metals can be used, such as
silver-zinc coagulated colloids, silver-copper coagulated colloids,
zinc-copper coagulated colloids, zinc-copper-silver coagulated
colloids, etc. In one specific embodiment, silver-zinc coagulated
colloids can be very effective for use.
[0018] With specific reference to the colloidal silver that can be
used, exemplary colloidal silvers include those sold by Solutions
IE, Inc. under the trade names CS Plus and C S Ultra. Other
colloidal silver products that can be used as the silver source
include ASAP, Sovereign Silver, Silver Max, and the like. In one
embodiment, the colloidal particles used in the present disclosure
can have a particle size range of from 0.001 .mu.m to 1.0 .mu.m. In
still another embodiment the average particle size is 0.35 .mu.m to
0.45 .mu.m.
[0019] The amount of alcohol in the embodiments of the present
disclosure can also be varied. In one embodiment, the hand
sanitizer can include from 0.05 wt % to 30 wt % alcohol or from
0.05 wt % to 10 wt % alcohol. In yet another embodiment, the
formulation can include from 0.1 wt % to 6 wt % alcohol of
individual alcohols, e.g., 2 wt % to 5 wt % ethanol and/or 2 wt %
to 6 wt % glycerol, etc.
[0020] As discussed above, the alcohol of the present disclosure
can be present in the hand sanitizer in various forms. A wide
variety of alcohols, including aliphatic alcohols and other
carbon-containing alcohols, having from 1 to 24 carbons
(C.sub.1-C.sub.24 alcohol) can be used. It is to be noted that
"C.sub.1-C.sub.24 alcohol" does not necessarily imply only straight
chain saturated aliphatic alcohols, as other carbon-containing
alcohols can also be used within this definition, including
branched aliphatic alcohols, alicyclic alcohols, aromatic alcohols,
unsaturated alcohols, as well as substituted aliphatic, alicyclic,
aromatic, and unsaturated alcohols, etc. In one embodiment, the
aliphatic alcohols can be C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alcohols including
methanol, ethanol, propanol and isopropanol, butanols, and
pentanols, due to their availability and lower boiling points. This
being stated, polyhydric alcohols can also be used effectively in
enhancing the disinfectant or sterilant potency of the compositions
of the present disclosure, as well as provide some degree of added
stabilization. Examples of polyhydric alcohols which can be used in
the present disclosure include but are not limited to sorbitol,
maltitol, ethylene glycol (ethane-1,2-diol) glycerin (or glycerol,
propane-1,2,3-triol), and propane-1,2-diol. Other non-aliphatic
alcohols may also be used including but not limited to phenols and
substituted phenols, erucyl alcohol, ricinolyl alcohol, arachidyl
alcohol, capryl alcohol, capric alcohol, behenyl alcohol, lauryl
alcohol (1-dodecanol), myristyl alcohol (1-tetradecanol), cetyl (or
palmityl) alcohol (1-hexadecanol), stearyl alcohol (1-octadecanol),
isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol (cis-9-octadecen-1-ol),
palmitoleyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol (9Z, 12Z-octadecadien-1-ol),
elaidyl alcohol (9E-octadecen-1-ol), elaidolinoleyl alcohol (9E,
12E-octadecadien-1-ol), linolenyl alcohol (9Z, 12Z,
15Z-octadecatrien-1-ol), elaidolinolenyl alcohol (9E, 12E,
15-E-octadecatrien-1-ol), combinations thereof, and the like.
[0021] In some embodiments, for practical considerations, methanol,
ethanol, and denatured alcohols (mixtures of ethanol and smaller
amounts of methanol, and optionally, minute amounts of benzene,
ketones, acetates, etc.) can often be present and useful because of
their availability and cost. Alcohols with low boiling points may
also be preferred in some embodiments because of their effect on
the drying time of the hand sanitizer. Glycerol is also useable in
some embodiments. It is noteworthy that some alcohols used in the
disclosure can have multiple roles, e.g. sorbitol can function both
as an alcohol as well as an emollient.
[0022] Emollients can also be used in the hand sanitizing
formulations of the present disclosure. As mentioned above sorbitol
can be included as an emollient as well as an alcohol. Other
emollients can also be used. Other emollients known in the art can
also be used.
[0023] Humectants can also be included in the hand sanitizing
compositions. A variety of humectants including those generally
known in the art can be used. In one embodiment, the humectant can
be a natural grain extract such as from wheat, oats, flax seed, and
combinations thereof. Such natural extracts are particularly
advantageous as they generally are less irritable to the skin. In
one embodiment, the grain extract is gluten free. In another
embodiment, the grain extract is a flax seed extract.
[0024] The hand sanitizers of the present disclosure can also
include one or more liquid surfactants. Examples of liquid
surfactants which can be used include, but are not limited to,
liquid vegetable oil soap, sulfonated castor oil, sodium lauryl
sulfate or any other liquid surfactant known in the art. In one
embodiment, the liquid surfactant includes a liquid vegetable oil
soap. In another embodiment, the liquid surfactant includes a
sulfonated castor oil. When present in the hand sanitizer
formulations, the liquid surfactant(s) can comprise from 0.1 wt %
to about 10 wt % of the total sanitizer formulation.
[0025] As hand sanitizers are sometimes frequently used by
professionals such as healthcare or food handling professionals, it
can be desirable to include skin protectants in the hand sanitizer
formulations. Examples of skin protectants include, but are not
limited to, vitamin E, vitamin E derivatives, aloe vera gel, and
combinations thereof. In one embodiment the skin protectant
includes vitamin E or a derivative thereof.
[0026] As mentioned, in one embodiment of the present disclosure,
the hand sanitizer can include a peroxide, such as a metal peroxide
or hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively or additionally, a peracid can
also or alternatively be included. When present in the hand
sanitizer, the peracid can comprise from 0.01 wt % to 5 wt % of the
total formulation. The peracid component of the hand sanitizer can
be a single compound or a combination of multiple peracid compounds
or peracid forming compounds. In one embodiment, the peracid can be
any aliphatic or aromatic peracid (or peroxyacid) that is
functional for disinfectant purposes in accordance with embodiments
described herein. While any functional peracid can be used,
peracids containing from 1 to 7 carbons are the most practical for
use. These peracids can include, but not be limited to peroxyformic
acid, peroxyacetic acid, peroxyoxalic acid, peroxypropanoic acid,
perlactic acid, peroxybutanoic acid, peroxypentanoic acid,
peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyadipic acid, peroxycitric, peroxybenzoic
acid, and mixtures thereof. The peracid can be prepared using any
method known in the art.
[0027] When the peracid is prepared from an acid and hydrogen
peroxide, the resultant mixture contains both the peracid and the
corresponding acid that it is prepared from. For example, in
embodiments that utilize peracetic acid, the presence of the
related acid (acetic acid) provides stability to the mixture, as
the reaction is an equilibrium between the acid, hydrogen peroxide,
and the peracid and water, as follows:
##STR00001##
[0028] Peracid salts, such as salts of the above listed peracids,
can also be included as the peracid component of the hand sanitizer
compositions. Non-limiting examples of such salts include
permanganates, perborates, perchlorates, peracetates,
percarbonates, persulphates, and the like. The salts can be used
alone or in combination with each other or other peracid compounds
to form the peracid component.
[0029] As described above, the hand sanitizers can be formulated to
be foams when dispensed from foaming dispensers. Foam dispensers
which can be used generally have fine mesh screens which aid in the
generation of the foams. The mesh size of the openings on such
screens is generally from 25 microns to 100 microns. In one
embodiment, the mesh size can be from 50 microns to 80 microns. The
foaming sanitizers form thick self-supporting foams which can be
readily rubbed onto a skin surface. The self-supporting foams can
generally retain their shape after being dispensed for a relatively
long period of time of at least about a minute, and often from 2 to
10 minutes.
[0030] Whether dispensed as a foam or as a traditional hand
sanitizing liquid or gel (with gelling agents), the sanitizers can
provide continuous sanitization effects for meaningful periods of
time after the initial application of the sanitizer so long as the
sanitized area is not scrubbed, wiped, or otherwise washed. In one
embodiment, the sanitization effects last for at least 2 hours
after the initial application. In another embodiment, the
sanitization effects can last for at least 4 hours after the
initial application.
[0031] The hand sanitizers may also include other excipients and
additives which are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples
fragrances which can be used include lime oil extract, lemon oil
extract, orange oil extract, and the like. Generally, any fragrance
can be used so long as it does not have a negative impact on the
sanitization effects of the compositions.
[0032] These hand sanitizers are generally effective in providing
high kill levels against a wide range of pathogens including but
not limited to bacteria, spores, viruses, parasites, funguses, and
molds. As described, this composition can be used against all of
these types of organisms with relative to complete safety to humans
and other mammals.
EXAMPLES
[0033] The following examples illustrate the embodiments of the
invention that are presently best known. However, it is to be
understood that the following are only exemplary or illustrative of
the application of the principles of the present invention.
Numerous modifications and alternative compositions, methods, and
systems may be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The
appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and
arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described
above with particularity, the following examples provide further
detail in connection with what are presently deemed to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments of the invention.
Example 1
Preparation of Hand Sanitizer
[0034] A hand sanitizer composition is prepared, which includes the
following ingredients in approximate amounts:
[0035] 95 wt % water
[0036] 150 ppm colloidal silver
[0037] 2 wt % ethanol
[0038] about 3 wt % gelling or foaming agents
[0039] The composition is mixed thoroughly and stored in a suitable
container for future use.
Example 2
Preparation of Hand Sanitizer
[0040] A hand sanitizer composition is prepared, which includes the
following ingredients in approximate amounts:
[0041] 400 ppm colloidal silver
[0042] 1 wt % ethanol
[0043] 2 wt % liquid vegetable soap
[0044] 0.12 wt % sulfonated castor oil
[0045] 0.015 wt % Vitamin E
[0046] Balance water
The composition is mixed thoroughly and stored in a suitable
container for future use. Upon ejecting through a 50 to 80 micron
screen, the formulation forms a self-supporting foam.
Example 3
Preparation of Foaming Hand Sanitizer
[0047] A hand sanitizer composition is prepared, which includes the
following ingredients in approximate amounts:
[0048] 94.7 wt % water
[0049] 2.7 wt % ethanol
[0050] 2.7 wt % Liquid vegetable surfactant
[0051] 0.12 wt % sulfonated castor oil
[0052] 0.1 wt % flax seed extract
[0053] 0.015 wt % Vitamin E
[0054] 130 ppm Colloidal silver
[0055] 0.0004 wt % sorbitol
The composition is mixed thoroughly and is stored in a container
capable of dispensing the composition through a 72 micron screen in
order to form a self-supporting foam.
Example 4
Preparation of a Foaming Hand Sanitizer
[0056] A hand sanitizer composition is prepared, which includes the
following ingredients in approximate amounts:
[0057] 91-97.6 wt % water
[0058] 3-4 wt % ethanol
[0059] 3-5 wt % glycerol
[0060] 0.3 to 3 wt % Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
[0061] 0.01 to 0.04 wt % Processed Silver
[0062] 0.01-0.1 wt % Coagulated colloid of Zn--Ag
[0063] 0.00001 to 0.001 wt % Sorbitol
[0064] The composition is mixed thoroughly and is stored in a
container capable of dispensing the composition through a 72 micron
screen in order to form a self-supporting foam.
Example 5
Kill-Time Studies Using the Hand Sanitizer of Example 4
[0065] A study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial
activity of the colloidal silver-containing hand sanitizer of
Example 4, when challenged with an organic load, on the test
organism Staphylococcus aureus.
[0066] This was accomplished by performing a standard suspension
test on the hand sanitizer. A one minute contact time was used.
[0067] Specifically, the test suspension was prepared by growing a
5 ml culture of Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6538, in Trypticase Soy
Broth at 37.degree. C., for 20 hours. Five (5) ml of culture was
pelleted by centrifugation, washed with 5 ml sterile 18 M.OMEGA.
water, centrifuged again, and resuspended in a final volume of 5 ml
sterile water.
[0068] A neutralizer was prepared that included 9 ml tubes of 12.7
wt % Tween 80 (surfactant), 6.0 wt % Tamol, 1.7 wt % lecithin, 1 wt
% peptone, and 0.1 wt % cystine and 500 mM Tris (pH 7.0).
[0069] The "Kill Time" procedure followed was as follows: A 9.9 ml
aliquot of the disinfectant of Example 4 was placed in a 50 ml
polypropylene sterile centrifuge tube, and the tube was
equilibrated in a 20.degree. C. water bath. The tube of hand
sanitizer was inoculated with 100 .mu.l of the S. Aureus suspension
at time zero. After 1 minute, 1 ml of the organism/hand sanitizer
suspension was removed to 9.1 ml of neutralizer. The tube was mixed
thoroughly. After 2 minutes, the neutralized suspension was
serially diluted (1:1.times.10, 1:1.times.10.sup.2,
1:1.times.10.sup.3, etc.) in physiological saline solution (PSS).
The number of viable organisms in selected dilution tubes was
assayed by membrane filtration. One (1) ml aliquots were plated in
duplicate, and the membranes were washed with about 100 ml of
sterile PSS and removed to Columbia agar plates. The plates were
incubated at 37.degree. C. for 24 and 48 hours. The number of
colonies on each filter was counted and log reduction and percent
kill values were computed.
[0070] As a control, a titer (or measurement of the amount or
concentration of a substance in a solution) of the test suspension
was computed by performing membrane filtration assays of selected
1:10 dilutions of the test suspension in PSS. A neutralizer control
was performed by inoculating a mixture of 9 ml of neutralizer and 1
ml of disinfectant with 100 .mu.l of the 1:10.sup.5 dilution of the
titer. This produced about 305 CFU/ml in the tube, which was
allowed to stand for 20 minutes prior to dilution and assay of the
tubes by membrane filtration using duplicate 1 ml samples.
Sterilization controls were performed by filtering 100 ml (PSS) or
1 ml (other fluids) samples of each solution used in this testing.
Plates were incubated as above.
[0071] The results are provided as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1a Titer Dilution 1:1 .times. 10.sup.6 1:1
.times. 10.sup.7 1:1 .times. 10.sup.8 Number of TNC* 37 4 Colonies
TNC 30 4 *TNC--Too Numerous to Count
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1b Hand Sanitizer solution (Example 4)
Dilution of staphylococcus/disinfectant suspension Dilution 1:1
.times. 10.sup.1 1:1 .times. 10.sup.2 1:1 .times. 10.sup.3 1 Minute
0 0 0 0 0 0
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 1c Neutralization control Dilution Control
Percent of 1:10 undiluted 1:1 .times. 10.sup.1 Expected 1 minute 32
305 30 82 17
[0072] Results of the titer showed a viable staphylococcus aureus
concentration of 3.35.times.10.sup.8 organisms per ml in the
original suspension. Inoculation of 9.9 ml of disinfectant with 100
.mu.l of this suspension produced an initial concentration of
3.35.times.10.sup.6 organisms per ml in the assay tube. Results
from these procedures allowed log reduction (LR) and percent kill
(PK) values to be calculated using the formulas: 1)
LR=-Log(S/S.degree.) where S=concentration of viable organisms
after 45 minutes; and S.degree.=the initial concentration of viable
organisms at time zero; and 2) PK=(1-(S/S.degree.)).times.100.
These values are shown below.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2 Results Contact Solution Time Log Reduction
(LR) Percent Kill (PK) Disinfectant solution 1 minute >5.83
>99.99985 of Example 4
[0073] The neutralization control data indicated that the test
solution was adequately neutralized. Observed counts were slightly
greater than those expected, indicating no residual killing took
place due to un-neutralized disinfectant. In general, the
disinfectant solution tested here had high antimicrobial activity
against Staphylococcus aureus.
[0074] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that various modifications, changes, omissions, and
substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the
invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be limited
only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *